So really, you all probably thought I fell off the face of the planet, and for that, I’m sorry. It’s been a busy start to the year. Full of NEW surprises and changes. I can’t wait to take you all on my crafty journeys of 2015.

This face mask smells delightful and actually doesn’t taste too bad! I don’t recommend you sit down and eat it, but don’t be afraid to try a finger full. Just four simple ingredients.

Simply mix it together. You may need to add more or less honey, and it should be rather pasty.

The honey acts as a natural zit shrinker. It also lightens dark spots and helps clear the overall complexion. Cinnamon helps wipe bacteria off the face. Nutmeg is extremely exfoliating! The oatmeal helps with oily and sensitive skin, but is optional. This mask works just as well without this ingredient. I love how fresh my face feels after using it.

Leave on for 20 minutes. Apply to a dry face using your hands, and remove with lukewarm water and paper towel, tissue, or washcloth. Small disclaimer, it takes a little time to get off, but that little bit of time is well worth the glow it leaves behind. Splash your face with cool water to shrink the pores back up, which allows the least about of bacteria in.

Take some time to pamper yourself with low cost. It’s well worth the time and relaxation. You all deserve “Me Time!” Let me know if I’m just crazy or if you guys are as in love with this mask as I am!

It just felt like a spinach artichoke dip kind of night (but when does it not?!). My dear friend brought this appetizer to a Christmas work party, and it disappeared in about 10 minutes. Honestly. The beauty of this recipe is that it can make a large batch or a smaller batch…just cut the batch in half for a smaller one. Everyone who has tried this dish loves it, even my sister who’s skeptical of trying new food! It takes about 15 minutes to make, and since you’re probably drooling just thinking of it, here’s how to make this magical food.

Directions:
1. In a medium sized pot on medium heat melt the cream cheese, sour cream (I used regular and it didn’t make a difference), butter (I used salted and that also tasted the same), and Parmesan cheese. Stir quite often for a smooth consistency and until it starts to bubble.

2. Chop the spinach, artichokes, and jalapeños if they did not come chopped. I used my Pampered Chef chopper, but a knife would work just as well.

3. Stir these chopped ingredients into the cheese mixture. I used garlic powder instead of cloves and added it by taste.

4. Serve with chips, crackers, or bread and keep warm. Enjoy!

My family devoured this all in one sitting, and I promise we are health weirdos and usually don’t eat this much. Happy new year, right?! I hope you all had a blessed holiday and happy new year!

Don’t know what to get your mother-in-law, grandma, or teacher?! These are spectacular holiday or birthday gifts! I made two of these for my “in-laws” (my boyfriend’s parents and grandparents) and assisted my boyfriend in making these for my parents and grandparents. Both of us had a blast making them, and it didn’t take long. The receivers of the gifts loved the thought put into them and the idea behind them.

First, stir the flour, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl.

Next, put that mixture into the jar. You may pour it in using a funnel, or if you’re daring, without one. Otherwise scoop it into the jar spoonful by spoonful (which is what we did, and it spilled the least).

All the ingredients won’t fit unless they’re packed down. And I mean REALLY packed down. The first two I made didn’t fit all the chocolate chips in them, but I had it all figured out by the last two! Don’t worry, the people baking the cookies won’t notice the difference of a few chocolate chips, but pack it down as best as you can. The blog I found this on suggested using a spoon to pack it down, but I found that using an ice cream scoop worked best because of the flatter bottom.

Now, add in the brown sugar using the previous steps. Next comes the granulated sugar using the same steps as the first two ingredients. Finally, use a spoon to put the chocolate chips in, but no need to pack these down. They should all fit if the other ingredients were packed down well enough!

The blog if found this amazing idea on had a printout for the directions that are to be attached. If you wish to have those, the link is above. Personally, I like copying the directions onto a card. This way, it is more personal. Here are the directions to go along with the dry ingredients in the jar:
Preheat the oven to 375. Beat 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) softened butter or margarine, 1 large egg, and 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract in a large bowl until blended. Add cookie mix; mix well, breaking up any clumps. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto non-greased baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for two minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 2 dozen. Enjoy!

This is my absolute favorite leg workout. Think all these Christmas cookies are going straight to the buns?! Look no further and try these exercises. I hate weights, so this offers the perfect solution…a resistance band! No bulk, but strong, lean, healthy legs. Drink plenty of water and stretch! Thanks shape.com for this awesome workout! Let me know what you guys think of it~